SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly eight years after a violent confrontation resulted in the death of 20-year-old Candace Samples, Kidus Yohannes has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for her murder. The sentencing took place on Tuesday, following his conviction over the summer for first-degree aggravated murder.
In addition to the life sentence for Samples' murder, Yohannes also received a sentence of zero to five years for one count of attempted manslaughter, related to the stabbing of Samples' friend during the same incident. The tragic events unfolded in November 2018, rooted in a dispute over a stolen phone.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on November 7, 2018. Officers responded to an area behind a store, now closed, located at 477 North and 300 West in Salt Lake City. The confrontation began after Samples had stolen Yohannes' phone while at the Marmalade Library.
The situation escalated when Yohannes located and confronted Samples and another individual. The confrontation took place inside a dumpster behind the aforementioned store. During this encounter, Yohannes pulled out a knife, as observed by a witness.
That witness immediately ran to seek assistance. The witness alerted Jeffrey Plante to the unfolding situation. Upon being informed, Plante ran towards the dumpster where the confrontation was taking place. He was immediately attacked and stabbed by Yohannes as he approached.
Following the attack on Plante, Yohannes then turned his attention to Samples. He stabbed Samples a total of 20 times before fleeing the scene. Samples was quickly transported to a local hospital, but despite medical efforts, she died shortly after her arrival. Jeffrey Plante, who was also stabbed, survived the attack, though he required hospitalization and spent time in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Throughout the investigation, Yohannes denied any involvement in the stabbings of either Samples or Plante. However, crucial evidence emerged from DNA testing. Blood samples found on Yohannes' shoes were analyzed, and the results conclusively matched Samples' DNA profile, linking him directly to the fatal stabbing.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill commented on the outcome of the lengthy legal process. Gill conveyed a hope that Ms. Samples’ family finds some measure of justice in the sentencing. He acknowledged that the outcome, while significant, does not represent perfect justice, which would see Ms. Samples still alive in the community today.
